Trailing by 179 runs after the first innings, Sri Lanka were 71-1 in their second innings at tea on the third day of the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
At the break, opener Kaushal Silva was batting on 32 and with him Kumar Sangakkara was 14 not out as Sri Lanka still need another 108 to avoid an innings defeat.
Sri Lanka lost opener Dimuth Karunaratne for 24, bowled by paceman Junaid Khan.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 383 runs in their first innings in reply to a Sri Lankan total of 204.
Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq finished with 135.
Paceman Shaminda Eranga took 3-80 while left-arm spinner Rangana Herath took 3-93.